As it moves closer to the Caribbean, Tropical Depression 18 has already formed in the Eastern Atlantic. The National Hurricane Centers forecast predicts it will become a Category 3 hurricane early next week.
The system was over 2,000 miles east from the Northern Leeward Islands, and heading west at 15 mph as of the 5:05 p.m. Update The system was maintaining 35 mph sustained winds, but it is expected to increase in strength over the next few days.
Forecasters predicted that the depression would likely turn into Tropical Storm Sam within the next 12 hours, and become a hurricane by Saturday morning. The hurricane center forecast Sam as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds of 115 mph by Monday.
According to the forecast discussion, a line to the west and north of the system should direct it west for the next few day along a path of warm seawater and low wind shear. This is a very favorable environment for intensification.
Forecasters stated that tropical depression 18 was centered in the lower-level winds as of the most recent forecast. The system could be strengthened quickly if mid-level winds meet up in the next five day.
Tropical Depression 18 is now in the Atlantic and it's expected to turn into Catgeory 3 Hurricane Sam next week.
All hurricane models seem to agree that the system will move west in the next three day. It will then strengthen, but the spread of possible next steps becomes less clear. The majority of models show the hurricane moving northward, away from the Caribbean and towards the open ocean.
The formation of Tropical Depression 18 means that 2021 now trails 2020 in terms of the record for most storms before September 23, tweeted Phil Klotzbach, Colorado State University Meteorologist.
Peter
Tropical Depression Peter was located approximately 225 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and higher gusts as of Wednesday's advisory.
Forecasters predict that it will cause small and urban flooding in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and parts of the Virgin Islands, starting Thursday morning. The area could also experience dangerous surf conditions and rip currents Wednesday, including in parts of the Bahamas.
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According to the forecast track Peter should turn north Wednesday night. This will move it further from Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Forecasters predict it will continue to fall and eventually become a remnant low on Thursday, if not earlier.
Rose
Similar forecasts were given for Disorganized Tropical Depression Rose. It was located 1,065 miles west of the Cabo Verde islands with maximum sustained winds close to 35 mph and higher gusts. It is expected to turn towards the north on Thursday, and will weaken into a remnant low Friday night.
Odette
Remains of Tropical Storm Odettes are still making a loop in Atlantic about 500 miles west from the Azores. Forecasters believe that the system will encounter strong upper-level winds by weekend, despite the 60% chance it would form in the next five days.
